Abstract

Background: Future shortages in platelet supply are expected in Germanydue to demographic changes. A rising cancer incidence will lead to anincreasing demand for platelet concentrates (PCs) while the number ofpotential donors will decrease. Pathogen inactivation (PI) aims toinactivate various infectious agents including emerging pathogens toextend the shelf-life of PCs and reduce the frequency of acutetransfusion reactions (ATRs). In this context, the clinical and economicimpact of PI on platelet transfusion was evaluated. Material andMethods: Model calculations were conducted for 2 scenarios consideringdifferent production settings. Frequencies of ATRs were based onliterature analyses, platelet and ATR costs on cost analyses. Results:The estimated average costs for ATRs of grade 1 and 2, irrespective oforigin, and grade 3 (allergic) were (sic) 104, (sic) 238, and (sic)1,200, respectively. Approximately 400 PC-related ATRs per 10(5)transfusions can be avoided, with estimated savings amounting to (sic)77,000. The total cost increase was calculated to approximately (sic)30-50 per PI-treated PC. Conclusion: PI potentially saves plasma,prolongs shelf-life, decreases donor deferral, and reduces ATRs. Modelcalculations considering clinical and safety benefits of PI show arational cost increase. The impact of PI should be further evaluatedfrom a societal perspective regarding future blood supply and infectiousdisease globalization.